What gives Earl Grey tea its taste? - The Boston Globe What gives Earl Grey tea its taste? December 20, 2010 Add a personal message:(80 character limit) Your E-mail: Reprints | Text size – + What in Earl Grey tea makes it taste and smell the way it does? Is the scent used only for tea? Earl Grey is named for a British prime minister of the 1830s. The history of how he got the tea that is rather unclear, but it was probably a gift to him. The well-known flavor and smell of Earl Grey tea come from the addition of bergamot oil. Bergamot is a type of citrus fruit, often called a bergamot orange, that is about the size of an orange, but yellow like a lemon. The juice is more bitter than grapefruit juice, but less sour than lemon. The flavoring oil comes from the skin of the fruit, as do other citrus oils. Most of these fruits are grown in Calabria, Italy, but there is also significant production in France and in the Ivory Coast in Africa.

Interestingly, the fruits produced in these different places have different scents in their oil, due to the differences in soil composition. Aside from its use in flavoring tea, bergamot oil has important uses in the perfume industry. It can be combined well with other fragrances, and about half of women’s perfumes and a third of men’s have bergamot oil in them. Bergamot has some interesting chemicals in it. Some, like bergapten, can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light. If you apply bergamot oil to your skin it will act as a sort of reverse sunscreen and make it more likely that you will burn. Chemicals like bergapten were once used in “tanning accelerator’’ lotions to help make people tan faster. What they really do is increase skin damage that can lead to skin cancer. Oddly, some skin disorders, including psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo, can be helped by a carefully controlled version of the same process, designed to treat the disease while minimizing dangerous effects. Another interesting chemical from bergamot is bergamottin, which can interfere with the metabolism of many drugs.

This substance, and similar ones, can be found in large amounts in grapefruit, which is why your doctor may tell you to avoid grapefruits and grapefruit juice with some medications. As with bergapten, there’s actually an upside to this: Bergamottin and its relatives might be used someday to help some drugs remain in the body longer. Ask Dr. Knowledge is written by Northeastern University physicist John Swain. E-mail questions to drknowledge@globe.com . © Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company. What is Earl Grey? What is Earl Grey Tea? What is Earl Grey Tea? Just like cookie dough goes with vanilla ice cream, peanut butter goes with chocolate, and lime goes with tequila, bergamot goes with black tea to create one of the world’s most beloved teas: Earl Grey. Earl Grey tea, believe it or not, is not its own category of tea. It falls into the category of flavored teas. Flavored teas include any type of tea—white, green, oolong, black—that has been scented or flavored with fruit, flowers, spices, oils, extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. Earl Grey is one of the most recognized flavored teas in the world.

This quintessentially British tea is typically a black tea base flavored with oil from the rind of bergamot orange, a citrus fruit with the appearance and flavor somewhere between an orange and a lemon with a little grapefruit and lime thrown in. Today’s cultivar of the bergamot orange is believed to be a hybrid of the bitter Seville orange native to the Mediterranean and a sweet lime/lemon native to Southeast Asia. So how did England and the rest of the world come to fall in love with this citrus and floral infused black tea? Earl Grey origins While Earl Grey tea was popularized by the English, it was not an English invention. Scented and flavored teas are uniquely Chinese. Early Chinese tea masters constantly experimented with ways to make their teas more exotic, not only to capture the attention of the reigning emperors of the time but also the business of worldwide trade merchants looking to return home with the unique flavors of the Far East. From fragrant jasmine flowers and wild rosebuds to bitter oranges and sweet lychee fruits, Chinese tea masters infused all kinds of fragrance and flavor into their teas during processing to create distinctive and highly drinkable beverages.

One history of the origins of Earl Grey explains that a Chinese mandarin tea master blended the first Earl Grey tea as a gift for Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl of Grey and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834. According to the Grey family, the tea master used bergamot as a flavoring to offset the lime flavor in the well water on Earl Grey’s estate, Howick Hall, near Newcastle, England. Earl Grey’s wife, Lady Grey, loved the tea so much that she entertained with it exclusively. It proved so popular with London society, she asked tea merchants in London to recreate it. Exactly which English tea merchant marketed the first Earl Grey tea blend is somewhat of a debate in the world of tea. But one thing is for sure: While the 2nd Earl of Grey abolished slavery and reformed child labor laws in England during his political leadership, he will be most famously remembered for the beloved tea he helped introduce to the world. How Earl Grey is made A tea is flavored or scented during manufacturing toward the end of the processing, usually once the tea leaves have dried.

One way teas are flavored is by blending the finished tea with flowers, herbs and spices so that the blended ingredients are visually appealing and lightly infuse the tea leaves with their aroma and flavor. Another way tea is flavored is by spraying or coated the finished tea with extracts, essential oils or flavoring agents during or after the drying process. This adds much a much stronger flavor to the tea and uses fewer ingredients. The flavoring-to-tea ratio is completely up to the tea manufacturer, and the flavors that come through to a brewed cup of flavored tea will vary by brand. Earl Grey is most widely defined as a black tea that has been flavored with the oil of bergamot. There is no one way to make Earl Grey tea, however, which is why every Earl Grey tea you’ve ever tried has probably tasted slightly different. Some of the most significant variables in how Earl Grey tea is made include: Type of tea used: The classic Earl Grey tea is made with a base of black tea leaves. But the black tea used can be anything from Ceylon to Indian to African. It can be a single estate black tea or a blend of black teas from around the world. The black tea flavor can be sweet and floral or rich and malty.

It depends completely on the terroir (the characteristics of the geography, climate and culture) of the tea plant and the processing style of the tea master. Type of bergamot used: Both synthetic and natural bergamot is used to flavor Earl Grey tea. Synthetic bergamot is popular with manufacturers because its flavor is consistent and it contains no actual citrus, so it is safe to consume for those with citrus allergies. The flavor of natural bergamot can vary immensely depending on where it was cultivated and how it was processed. Natural bergamot is often defined as a sharp and intensely citrus flavor. Calabria, in Southern Italy, is home to 80% of the commercially grown bergamot, followed by France and Turkey. Amount of bergamot used: The art and style of the tea master will define not only which type but also how much bergamot is used in a particular Earl Grey blend. Depending on the flavor of the base tea, a tea master may decide to use a subtle amount of bergamot flavor so as not to cover up the delicate flavor of the tea leaves.

Or a tea master may decide to give a bold, sharp black tea a hefty kick of bergamot to stand up to the bold flavor profile of the tea leaves. Black Tea Processing: Withering → Rolling → Oxidation → Firing Our black tea is rolled immediately after withering to help get the oxidation processes started quickly. The leaves are then fully oxidized before they are dried, which is how they get their dark color and rich flavor. For more information about tea processing, visit our How is Tea Made? page. Tasting Earl Grey There is something about the sweet, floral, sour and bitter flavor profile of bergamot that blends perfectly with a bold, full-bodied and malty black tea. For some, a flavored black tea is more palatable to sip, hiding some of the astringent or bitter notes that may come through in the steeped tea leaves. For others, a flavored tea is simply a more interesting, exotic and fun way to explore a range of tea flavor profiles. Teatulia’s Earl Grey tea is inspired by the traditional Earl Grey, but it has a delightful lightness and freshness to it.

We use one of the finest oils of bergamot, so a mild citrus note hits gently on the center of the palate and seamlessly melds into the satisfying, full-bodied maltiness of our organic black tea. Just as we have created our own inspired take on Earl Grey tea, various regions of the world as well as many tea marketers have adapted their own versions of Earl Grey, some of which move away from the traditional black tea base. Some of the more well known variations include: The English are fans of flavored teas and blended Chinese Lapsang Souchong black tea with Earl Grey for a smoky version. Lady Gray is an Earl Grey blend that is said to be more subtle and more floral than a traditional Earl Grey, but most manufacturers marketing this blend have different approaches. The French add their beloved lavender to Earl Grey for a distinctively Parisian version. Earl Green is blended using green tea instead of black. Rooibos Earl Grey features the South African red rooibos herb, typically marketed as red tea, flavored with bergamot. Earl Grey tea lovers looking for caffeine-free options gravitate toward this blend.

The unique flavor of Earl Grey is so beloved that it has lately leapt out of the teacup and into all kinds of culinary treats, from marshmallows to chocolate to cookies. One of our favorite tea-inspired treats our Earl of Bengal Cookies, made with Teatulia’s Earl Grey tea. Click here for the recipe. Caffeine content in Earl Grey The caffeine content in an Earl Grey made with a black tea base will be similar to any other cup of black tea. Like any beverage brewed from a caffeinated plant, however, there are a lot of factors that can determine caffeine levels in your cup of Earl Grey black tea, including how the plant was processed and how the beverage was brewed. Between coffee, black tea and green tea, coffee generally has the most caffeine content per 8 oz. cup (95 to 200 mg), then black tea (14 to 61 mg), followed by green tea (24 to 40 mg). Buying and storing Earl Grey As with any green or black tea, storing a flavored tea properly will ensure your tea will remain fresh as long as possible in your cabinet.

It’s always a good idea to buy tea from a reputable company that can tell you when and how the tea was processed and packaged as well as provide storage and freshness tips. Generally, an oxidized black tea is more shelf stable than its delicate green tea cousin. But teas that have been flavored have a shorter shelf life than a straight black tea. While your flavored tea won’t really go “bad”, it will get stale if it sits around too long and it will definitely lose its flavor potency. If stored properly in a cool, dark place and in an opaque, airtight container away from light, moisture and pantry items like coffee and spices that can leach flavor into the tea leaves, flavored teas can last six months to a year before they should be used or replaced. For more information about how to best care for your tea, visit our How to Store Tea page. Preparing Earl Grey Always ask your tea vendor for brewing instructions specific to the tea you purchased, because flavored teas can have different ideal brewing temperatures and steeping times. Here are a few general Earl Grey tea brewing tips to keep in mind: Use fresh, pure, cold filtered water. Spring water is the best.

If your Earl Grey has a black tea base, it can typically brewed for longer periods of time and in hotter temperatures than flavored teas with a green tea base. Generally, this is somewhere between 200 and 212 degrees. We steep our Teatulia Earl Grey tea for 2 to 3 minutes. If you don’t have an electric kettle with temperature control, just remember that at sea level water simmers at 190 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. The boiling temperature drops about a degree for every 100 feet in altitude increase. So, generally, somewhere just off a rolling boil should be perfect for brewing a flavored black tea. If your Earl Grey tea came with specific recommendations for brewing, use those. But using about 2 grams of loose leaf tea per 8 oz. cup of water is a safe bet. Cover your Earl Grey tea while it steeps to keep all the heat in the steeping vessel. Avoid oversteeping your flavored tea. The longer your tea steeps, the stronger the added flavor becomes and the more quickly the tea leaves will release any of their bitterness and astringency.

Taste your tea after the recommended steeping time and then decide if you’d like it to steep a little longer. Many high-quality, loose leaf Earl Grey teas can be steeped multiple times to yield several cups of tea. Most Earl Grey teas are meant to stand up to milk and sugar per the popular English teatime traditions. But for a true education in the flavor differences between the many varieties of Earl Grey, try sipping it plain with no additives. Tea ice cream (Earl Grey) Tea ice cream (Earl Grey) 14/05/2013 at 08:31 A nice cup of tea is something many people look forward to every day. But why not make that a cup of tea ice cream for a change? And Earl Grey, the classic British black tea with its distinct touch of bergamot oil and citrus, turns out to be a splendid ice cream flavour! “Could I interest you in a nice cup of tea ice cream?” Many tea ice cream recipes focus on exotic teas (see for instance my own post on Masala Chai ice cream ), but much culinary joy can be had also with more widely-sipped ‘household’ blends.

Earl Grey tea is named after Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey and once the UK Prime Minister. The particular blend was made for him by a Chinese mandarin, either as a gift or on the Earl’s demand (the stories differ), and remains one of the most popular blends of the tea-world. Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey (1764-1845). Once UK Prime minister and the man who gave the famous tea-blend its name. Tea-flavours in ice creams, or How to best infuse tea and avoid the bitterness Unless you decide to finely crush tea leaves and simply mix them directly into your ice cream as an add-ins (yes, there are such recipes too!), the tea needs to be infused. When we brew tea, we infuse it in water. But as all tea-drinkers also know, brewing tea in too hot water or for too long time may result in a bitter side-taste. The bitterness is caused by the release of tannins , and we certainly do not want much of those in our cup (or in our tea ice cream, for that matter). So, what to do?

Several tea ice cream recipes actually suggest steeping-times of up to 30 minutes in hot liquid, which seems like a sure-fire way of setting off quite a lot of tannins. On the other side of the scale we have the champions of cold steeping (infusing the tea in cold liquid, but for a markedly longer time). Cold infusion does seem to be a good way of avoiding the release of bitter tannins but has at least one drawback: time. For example, the reputable Weirs’ recipe calls for 24 hours of cold infusion. Myself, I decided to follow the sound advise of professional tea-writer Lindsey “Vee” Goodwin . For ice cream-infusions, she recommends that the same times and temperatures normally used for brewing the tea should be used. The normal tea-dosage, however, should be doubled (not forgetting the recommended “add one bag for the pot”, I decided to go with 7 tea-bags for this recipe). I checked up the recommendations for Earl Grey (according to Twinings , the manufacturer).

For tea-bags, the recommendation was 2 1/2 to 3 minutes of brewing (for loose tea, 5 minutes), in a liquid that had been brought to boil (i e, to 100º Celsius/212º F). While the temperature-recommendation obviously is based on infusion in water, it should also be OK for our dairy (after all, milk mainly consists of water). Mind you, since I missed the distinction between tea-bags and loose tea, I infused my tea-bags for five minutes: As nothing particularly bad seemed to come out of this, the recommendations do seem to come with some safety margins. However, if you go for a longer time, be careful with any squeezing of the bags towards the end of the infusion, as that is very likely to yield a (mainly) bitter result. Stick to letting the tea-bags drip off, or follow another expert advise : only leave the bags in the liquid for three minutes, then stir and squeeze out the tea-bags before discarding them. Infusing the dairy with Earl Grey – keep it short, to avoid bitterness In summary, put the milk and the cream in a saucepan.

Bring the dairy to the (exact) boil and put in 7 tea-bags. Leave to infuse for 3-5 minutes, then let the bags drip off and discard them. You now have tea-infused dairy, which will be the corner stone of our nice ice cream. Now – on to the choice of a suitable ice cream base! I have never liked tea with cream, so I was interested in finding a mostly milk-based foundation for the ice cream. Fernanda Gosetti’s base gelato turned out to be a perfect fit. Making that base is basically a matter of following the great tradition of ice cream custard-making so well known from Italian and French ice creams : As noted, begin by making the tea-infusion: pour all the dairy in a saucepan and bring to the (exact) boil. Then add the tea-bags and let them infuse. When the minutes are up, remove the teabags and discard them. Now whisk together the egg yolks and the sugar (as you will note, the amount of sugar used is slightly reduced here, to better harmonise with the tea-flavour).

Slowly and little by little, pour the tea-infused dairy into the egg-sugar mixture while whisking all the time (“the tempering stage”). When the ingredients have been well whisked together, pour back the blend into the saucepan. If using, add a minimal amount of vanilla (once again, a concession to the overall tea-flavour), and – while whisking continuously – bring the ice cream base to about 82-84º Celsius (189-183 ºF). While a thermometer always is handy at this stage, you could also rely on the Spoon-test: the custard should be ready when you are able to draw a line that stays with your finger through the custard on the back of a spoon. And do remember to whisk all the time – you don’t want to end up with scrambled eggs! (the careful ones make a habit of passing the custard through a sieve by the end of the process, just to avoid any unfortunate surprises). Once the custard base is ready, take it off the heat and let it cool down as quickly as possible. Once cooled down, place it in the refrigerator to chill for a few hours, and preferably over night, before churning.

Allowing the custard base to ‘mature’ will result in better consistency and improved flavours. Earl Grey ice cream This exquisite flavour should be mandatory for all tea-lovers. But even those who are not overly fond of tea should give this elegant ice cream a try. The characteristic Earl Grey-flavour, with its bergamot and citrus, combines perfectly with the reliable gelato base and virtually blooms in the frozen context. Despite being mainly composed of milk, the ice cream also scores high in terms of consistency and texture, producing a smooth, elegant and delicious overall result. No need to wait for proper tea-time: Grab a few tea-bags and get ready to infuse! Earl Grey tea – its history and taste ← Finest Herbal Tea Tags: earl grey · loose leaf tea · tea Earl Grey tea is now enjoyed worldwide but what is it and where does it come from? The first point to understand is that it is not actually a different tea but rather a black tea flavoured with the rind of the bergamot orange. Think of it as an herbal tea. However because the bergamot oil can hide the taste of a lower grade black tea you need to carefully check the grade and quality of the tea before you buy it.

It is typically used as an afternoon tea. The history of Earl Grey tea. It was first developed for the 2nd Earl Grey of Howick Hall in Northumberland (UK). He was the British Prime minister back in the 1830’s and is still remembered for passing the reform bill of 1832 which brought much needed electoral reform to a rapidly changing Industrial society. Unfortunately for the Grey family they neglected to register the trade mark and have never received royalties from this well known brand of tea. What is a bergamot orange and why is it used? It is a fruit about the size of a normal orange which grows on small trees. They blossom during the winter and it is native to Calabria in Italy. The juice of the bergamot orange is less sour than that of a lemon but quite a bit more bitter than that from a grapefruit. It has a very distinctive aroma. The bergamot orange brings a distinct aroma to the tea. It has a tart and refreshing taste and it is believed that the bergamot was used to offset the lime which was prevalent in the local water around Howick Hall. Earl Grey tea and cooking. Earl Grey tea is often used to flavour cakes and confectionery.

Typically the tea bags would be boiled in a basic stock for a couple of minutes. Alternatively loose tea could be added to melted butter or hot cream. The leaves would then be strained after the flavour has infused the food. The actual fruit is not edible and it is mainly used for the fragrant oil. However there are examples where the peel is candied. It has also been used to produce an Italian marmalade. Around the Spring Mediterranean the peel is boiled in sugar syrup to make a preserve. In the Scandinavian countries you can find bergamot used to flavour “snus”, a local smokeless tobacco product. The bergamot orange as a fragrance. The peel is used extensively in the manufacture of perfumes and it was an essential ingredient of the original Eau de Cologne which was developed in the 17th century. Are there specific benefits from drinking Earl Grey tea? Well there are claimed to be at least five benefits: As with other teas it is associated with Antioxidants which can help to prevent cancer. As an antidepressant. Many people find the flavour to soothing and a help in cultivating calmness. Reduces fever and helps with intestinal problems.

This is the direct impact of the bergamot orange which has a long history of being used for these problems in Calabria, Italy. Taken after a main meal it is believed to help digestion. The bergamot has mild antiseptic properties and can help with oral hygiene. Howick Hall and the surrounding countryside. Howick Hall is beside the Northumberland coast and about 50 miles south of the border with Scotland. During the 19th century there was tremendous industrial growth in the area and in addition to the second Earl who rose to be Prime minister there were a number of other equally famous names from the county, for instance: Lord Armstrong, Industrialist and philanthropist. Associated with arms manufacture and shipbuilding Admiral Lord Collingwood, he fought with Nelson at the battle of Trafalgar and assumed command of the fleet when Nelson was killed. Howick hall is now open to the public during the summer months and is well known for its extensive collection of trees and shrubs. In conclusion. Earl Grey tea is a distinctive herbal tea with a light and refreshing flavour.

It is typically drank as afternoon tea and has a history going back nearly 200 years to a British Prime minister who lived along the rocky coast of Northumberland (UK). One comment on “Earl Grey tea – its history and taste” All About Earl Grey Tea: Flavor, History, & More Share By Lindsey Goodwin Earl Grey tea is one of the most popular teas in the West. This black tea with hints of citrus is a perfect introduction to tea, it is great served hot or cold, and pairs well with food. That's why it is a favorite for afternoon tea and preferred by many tea drinkers throughout the world. There is a lot more to know about Earl Grey. Let's explore its history and the great variety of Earl Grey available. Earl Grey's Flavor Earl Grey is a black tea , so it usually has a bold flavor. Unlike Orange Pekoe (which is a tea grade named for the Dutch royal House of Orange-Nassau rather than the fruit or the color orange), Earl Grey has a citrusy flavor. Earl Grey's citrusy taste is due to the addition of natural or synthetic bergamot oil. The bergamot orange is a type of aromatic citrus fruit that is usually grown in the Mediterranean.

Bergamot oil is extracted from the skin of the bergamot fruit. Although Earl Grey varies from one producer to another, its taste is often described as bright, refreshing, and bold. continue reading below our video How to Brew Tea in a Pot Earl Grey's History Earl Grey is named after Earl Charles Grey of England who was Prime Minister from 1830 through 1834. Although he abolished slavery during his time in office, he is most remembered for his namesake tea. The common story behind the naming of Earl Grey is that the recipe was a token of thanks to the politician. It is said that he saved the son of a Chinese tea blender from drowning. In his gratitude for this good deed, the blender passed on this special recipe for a black tea flavored with bergamot oil. In reality, it is highly unlikely that Earl Charles Grey ever visited China, much less saved a drowning boy there. No one really knows why Grey received this honor, though the tea was named around Charles Grey's time in office. It is entirely possible that the name could have simply been a nod to a powerful political leader. More recently, Earl Grey tea has made a number of appearances in popular culture.

It is a favorite of Captain Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation", as well as Sir Leigh Teabing of "The Davinci Code." In America, Earl Grey is sometimes spelled Earl Gray instead, though this is not a generally accepted spelling of the name. Caffeine in Earl Grey The caffeine content of Earl Grey varies from one type to another, but it is generally comparable to other black teas. Regular Earl Grey Tea: 55-90 mg of caffeine per cup (sometimes incorrectly called caffeinated Earl Grey) Decaf Earl Grey: 2-10 mg per cup Types of Earl Grey Tea Earl Grey is so popular that it has spawned a number of similar teas. One of the most popular of these is Lady Grey, which is usually a blend of Earl Grey and blue cornflower blossoms. Other popular Earl Grey variations include: Russian Earl Grey - Earl Grey with pieces of citrus peel mixed in. Decaf Earl Grey Earl Red / Red Earl Grey / Earl Rooibos - A bergamot-flavored rooibos . Earl Green - A bergamot-flavored green tea or, in some cases, a bergamot-flavored pouchong / baozhong .

Some tea companies offer other stately names such as Mademoiselle Grey or Lord Grey. These are blended with spices, flowers (such as rose petals or lavender), or other ingredients. Some coffee shops and tea shops also offer a drink called London Fog. This is a tea latte made from Earl Grey, steamed milk , and vanilla syrup. How to Make and Enjoy Earl Grey Like many black teas , Earl Grey is fairly easy to prepare. To brew Earl Grey tea, you'll need a teapot, some Earl Grey tea leaves, and quality water that is nearly boiling or at the boiling point. Some people prefer to pre-warm their teapot with hot water, which helps maintain the steeping temperature. To do this, simply pour boiling water into the teapot, wait a minute, and then discard the water. To make Earl Grey: Use about one teaspoon of tea leaves (or one regular-sized teabag) per cup of hot water. Steep in boiling or near boiling water for four to five minutes, depending on the tea and your flavor preferences. Then, remove the tea leaves (or tea bag). Some people enjoy sugar and/or lemon in their Earl Grey.

While it is not traditional to add milk to citrusy teas, some Americans also enjoy milk in their Earl Grey. Earl Grey tea is one of the preferred teas for Afternoon Tea . It pairs very well with many sweets, such as scones and Madeline cakes . Earl Grey is also a great tea for brunch pairings . How to Buy Earl Grey Tea Earl Grey is available in most Western grocery stores, tea shops, and gourmet foods stores, as well as on most online tea retail sites. Loose-leaf Earl Grey tea is recommended over Earl Grey teabags. If you prefer a strong black tea flavor, a base tea from Kenya, Ceylon, or Assam is usually a good choice. If you prefer a milder black tea flavor, a base tea from Nilgiri or Darjeeling will be better for you. If you like a smooth, rich black tea flavor, try an Earl Grey with a Yunnan or a Keemun base.

Organic Earl Grey Black Tea | Fair Trade | Loose Leaf Organic Earl Grey Black Tea Organic Earl Grey Black Tea 138 servings, 15¢ per serving $10.75 USD 50 servings, 22¢ per serving $2.50 USD Recipes Traditions This organic, Fair Trade Certified version of the classic Earl Grey does not disappoint. It has a correct balance of flavoring which results in a piquant and refreshing true Earl Grey organic black tea taste. Made fashionable by the Prime Minister of England Earl Grey (1830-1834), Earl Grey tea is traditionally a blend of organic Chinese tea flavored with the oil from the Asian citrus fruit, bergamot. Now, some of the best bergamot in the world hails from Italy, where the botanical was transplanted generations ago. For our organic Earl Grey Black Tea we blend the oil from an Italian grown bergamot with a bolder organic black tea from India for an Earl Grey lover's delight!

Ingredients: organic Indian black tea and natural bergamot flavor Serving Size: one level teaspoon per 8 oz cup of water Staff Perspectives Aubrey Says: This organic tea always impresses me by its equally bold bergamot and black tea flavors! Jeremy Says: A classic tea for good reason! Sarah Says: I was never a fan of Earl Grey... I kept trying it and trying it in hopes I would like it and see why it was so popular. That is, until I met this one! This is truly the best Earl Grey I have ever tasted. Now I like to treat myself to a cookie and mug of Earl Grey. How do you rate this product? Write a headline for your review here: Write your review here: yummy black tea Posted by Unknown on 9th Dec 2016 really like the flavors. i add a bit of milk and it makes it a bit yummier to me. thanks for carrying it Really good! Posted by Unknown on 17th May 2016 I really love this Earl Grey! Lovely balance. Enjoyed a cup with a squeeze of lemon.

Best Earl Grey Posted by Rondi on 24th May 2015 I hope Arbor keeps the quality of the Earl Grey they put together!! This is now our favorite EG. It appears that they use quality leaves that are mid range in length which we like. The bergemot flavor is neither too strong or weak. My husband and I like to do a second steeping which we can do with this tea. Great Early Grey Posted by JR on 5th May 2014 I was looking for an Earl Grey with a pungent bergamot aroma and flavor. This tea does not disappoint. The bergamot flavor does not get lost when you add cream. I worked in a coffee shop that sold loose leaf teas and grew to love Earl Grey from trying all their quality teas. I am glad I found this here at Arbor Teas. (P.S. They ship to Guam with reasonable shipping charges!) Can't get it right all the time... Posted by Amanda on 26th Mar 2014 ...too many leaves, steeped it for too long. When I hit all the right notes, though, it's perfect!

Intense Flavor Posted by Unknown on 14th Dec 2013 I enjoy this blended with Irish Breakfast Tea. The Bergamot flavor is a little too intense when brewed alone. I wouldn't be without this tea, though! I Love Earl Grey Posted by Rachel on 23rd Aug 2013 Many of the Earl Greys you buy at the store, even if organic or fair trade, lack flavor and end up being just another tea. This one has good bergamot flavor without it tasting artificial or overwhelming. My favorite treat with Sunday brunch after church or during the week if I want a little pick-me-up. A great classic Earl Grey Posted by U. N. Owen on 22nd Apr 2013 Of all the types of teas I've tried so far, Earl Grey is generally my favorite kind. Depending on where you get it from, the flavor can vary fairly substantially; but when I think of the pure Earl Grey flavor, I think of this kind. It's got everything you want in an Earl Grey - the bergamot flavor is just the right strength, not overpowering but definitely appreciable, and it even survives a resteep or two.

My favorite version of my favorite kind of tea! Best Earl Grey Posted by Dimitra on 17th Feb 2013 If you are looking for a fragrant cup of Earl Grey, try this one! Compared with other brands, this is the best cup I have had! I like it with some cream or coconut milk (the beverage, not the kind for cooking), and sometimes with a splash of maple syrup. The first Earl Grey I reviewed for my Earl Grey Addict review site Posted by The Earl Grey Addict on 10th Jan 2013 It's a silly idea but I've started a blog in hopes of reviewing every Earl Grey available. I"m 9 reviews in with 5-6 more Earl Greys ready to be reviewed with countless sites ready to be ordered from. After trying many, many Earl Grey's I always return to this version. The natural flavor and aroma coupled with knowing it's organic makes it an easy pick. If you don't mind, here's the full link. Depth of Flavor Posted by Kyle Browning on 16th Dec 2012 The Bergamot in this tea is not one note like most I have tasted.

There is a subtle complexity to this earl grey that reminds me of all things fruit loops cereal in the best way possible. This may seem a strange comparison but know after trying over 7 different Earl Grays this one takes the cake! Yummy Bergamot Posted by Madalyn Gregory on 1st Sep 2012 I love the way bergamot smells and this tea gives off a great aroma in the bag and in the cup. It is well balanced, the bergamot is not overwhelming. I do have to be careful on the steeping time since I have made a few cups that were on the bitter side. But when it's right, it's perfect. Lingering citrus notes and a strong black tea make this one of my favorite Earl Greys. Great Earl Grey Posted by Unknown on 27th Aug 2012 I got a wonderful whiff of bergamot the moment I opened the box. The tangy smell was only enhanced when I opened the pouch itself. I love that the packaging is compostable! The tea itself is smooth and aromatic. A bit of sugar really enhances the flavor for me.

I can even get a couple of steepings out of it, so the value really streches. Top Shelf Earl Grey Posted by Joseph Paulson on 17th Jul 2012 The dry leaf practically shines with oil of bergamot! I've never seen anything like it! The scent of the leaves hits strong but never unpleasantly so. The tea brews very well. The intoxicating scent is well balanced with the black tea behind it. I drink it black and sometimes find it a wee bit thin. But I think this would be delightful with a spot of whole milk and a scant teaspoon of sugar. I look forward to drinking this tea every Friday with my favorite pastry. My Favorite Earl Grey Posted by Aysia on 15th Feb 2012 This Earl Grey has just the right amount of bergamot (natural, of course), which makes it my favorite black tea variety. The bergamot is uplifting, and never overpowering. It is a wonderful tea to start the day with. Arbor Teas Earl Grey Posted by Nancy Biehn on 13th Jan 2011 This is by far my most favorite tea with chocolate!

What a perfect balance of earthy black tea and citrus. Really all I want to do is breathe in it's aroma all day long - it smells fabulous. Perfect balance Posted by Bill Edwards on 7th Nov 2008 For me the secret to a great Earl Grey is the balance. This is a great blend of black tea with just the right amount of bergamot. I cannot imaging a better Earl Grey. Earl Grey Posted by Christy on 3rd Feb 2008 I like an Earl Grey to have a lot of flavor. From the moment you open the bag you know it's going to be good. This tea is so wonderful! I look forward to it every morning. The fact that it is organic and fair trade certified is so great. I have found "my" Earl Grey. We at Arbor Teas firmly believe that tea should be brewed to suit your personal taste. With that being said, here are some recommendations to get you started, but please remember you can make adjustments based on your own personal taste. There are three main considerations when brewing tea: quantity of tea, water temperature and steeping time.

Quantity of tea: one level teaspoon per 8 oz cup of water Water temperature: use water that has been heated to a full rolling boil (212° F) Steeping time: 3-5 minutes Tip #1: Use fresh water whenever possible - water that has been sitting in your kettle overnight may impart a flat or stale taste to your tea. Be careful not to boil your water for too long. Over boiled water can sometimes impart an unwanted taste. Tip #2: Keep in mind that brewing your tea for too long can extract undesirable bitterness from the leaves, so steeping time matters! For a stronger brew, don’t steep longer, just use more tea.

Eco-Brewing Tips There are five significant components found in all tea from the plant camellia sinensis: essential oils, which are the source of tea’s delicious flavor and aroma; polyphenols, which are antioxidants that provide the tea’s brisk flavor and many of its health benefits; phytonutrients, which are small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids including L-theanine (a very rare molecule that has been found in only three sources including camellia sinensis!) ; enzymes; and methylxanthines, which are a family of alkaloids that include caffeine. Each of these components work differently in the human body and a full description is best left to a medical journal. However, recent research exploring the potential health attributes of tea is leading many scientists to agree that tea, may contribute positively to a healthy lifestyle. For a more in-depth discussion of Tea and Caffeine check here. Citrus and Tea Cream Pie: Perfect Picnic Pie The original inspiration for this recipe came from Martha Stewart as a chamomile version of lemon meringue pie in a homey cornmeal crust. You could alter the recipe by subbing in orange and organic earl grey black tea as a perfect picnic pie.

Check here to view the full recipe for the Citrus and Tea Cream Pie ! Tea-Laced Shortbread Trio: Earl Grey Shortbread Requiring only a handful of ingredients, few things are simpler, yet so satisfying to make than classic shortbread. These delicate cookies complement a glass of milk or a cup of tea equally well, and their buttery, not overtly sweet nature takes on additional flavors with ease. Check here to view the full recipe for Tea-Laced Shortbread Trio ! Earl Grey Tea Madeleines Traditionally a dry cookie, perfectly conducive for dunking into a complementary cup of tea, this madeleine recipe combines the elements of tea and cookies in a singular elegance. Check here to view the full recipe for Earl Grey Tea Madeleines ! Earl Grey Tea: Fact and Fiction Traditional Earl Grey is a blend of black tea flavored with the essence of Bergamot rind, though the name may also be used to refer to any tea—black or otherwise—that uses bergamot as a flavoring (such as our organic green Earl Grey, and our organic Earl Grey rooibos blends).

Bergamots are small tart oranges native to southern Vietnam that research suggests are a cross between the sweet lemon, Citrus limetta, and the sour orange, C. aurantium, and the essential oils from their rinds are what give Earl Grey its characteristic flavor. Consequently, the tea often sees use in all manner of confectionary, lending a subtle, citrusy zest to chocolates (like our tea-infused truffles!), cakes, or sauces. This famous tea is named for an English prime minister, Lord Charles Grey the second, from the 1830s who first popularized its consumption. There is a popular legend that the Earl received the tea as a gift from a grateful Mandarin after one of his men saved the Mandarin (or his son, depending on which version of the story you hear) from drowning. Charming though it is, the story has no basis in fact, because the Earl never traveled to China during his life. Beyond that, no records indicate that the Bergamot was even cultivated in China at that time, so this tea would have been a very unusual gift!

Nevertheless, the current Earl Grey, Lord Charles Grey the sixth, maintains that at the very least his ancestor was given the tea as a gift from a Chinese envoy, and he endorses Twinings of London’s recipe for the tea. Interestingly, the English teahouse Jacksons of Piccadilly also claims to be in possession of the original recipe for Earl Grey, having received it from the Earl himself in 1830. For information on other traditions or to submit your own tea tradition visit our Tea Traditions section. Earl grey tea scones | Drizzle and Dip earl grey tea scones May 9, 2012 earl grey tea scones with wild blueberry preserve With a subtle taste of bergamot, these earl grey tea scones are so easy to make and delectable served fresh out your oven with your favourite preserve. I have updated and improved (in more ways than one) my previous post on Earl Grey Tea scones. I’m not one to go back and re-do embarressing posts on this blog, but as I become increasingly fascinated with tea, I simply had to do it here.

Earl Grey Tea is black tea which has been flavoured with bergamot oil which is extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange. It’s what gives this tea its distinctive flavour. When infusing the tea into baked things, it loses some of its intensity which is why I suggest adding 1/2 teaspoon of the essential oil to bring the flavour back. Pure bergamot essential oil is edible, so depending on the quality and strength, adding a small quantity is perfectly safe. 2 drops of oil can be added to your cup of tea to turn it instantly into Earl Grey. I’ve used my tried and tested and very easy scone recipe as the base for these, and served them with this delicious Bonne Maman Wild Blueberry preserve. * PS – In the past I have used between 3 – 5 teaspoons of baking powder in this recipe and they always rise to a similar extent. I have also found that using the higher quantity does not leave a baking powder / soda after taste in your mouth, so I now prefer to use the large amount. In case you were wondering.

bonne maman wild blueberry preserve which is pretty special stuff Recipe: 5 teaspoons baking powder (yes it seems like a lot) 230ml milk 2 earl grey tea bags 500gms flour 1/2 – 1 t of pure essential bergamot oil How to make: Make in advance: bring a cup of milk to the boiling point (use a bit extra as some gets lost in the making) – then immediately turn off the heat, add the 2 tea bags and allow to infuse. When the milk is cool, squeeze the tea bags and discard. Set the milk aside until you are ready to make the scones, topping up if necessary to get to 230ml. Add the bergamot to the milk and stir. Put all the ingredients except the flour into the mixer with a paddle attachment and mix on low until combined. Add the flour and mix briefly. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, knead slightly and press out to a height of about 4- 5cm (I used my fingers).

Press out the scones with a round and sharp cookie cutter (this is important as It helps the scone maintain some of its thickness) until all the dough has been used (I used a 58mm or 2 1/4 inch cutter). Place on a lined baking tray. Use silicone baking paper if you can as it is simply the best for baking. Beat an egg and brush over the tops of the scones. Put the scones in the fridge for about 20 – 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 200 c. Brush a second egg wash layer over the scones which gives it a really nice glaze and bake in the oven for 15 minutes until well risen and golden brown. Scones are always best served warm straight out the oven so that the butter melts in. fresh scones out the oven slathered in butter and jam has to be one of life's very special treats dollop the jam on top Earl Grey Tea Disclosure Earl Grey Tea Earl Grey tea is a classic blend with a distinctive citrusy flavor and a worldwide following.

Although different brands have their own interpretations, a true Earl Grey blend will always include black tea and the flavor of bergamot orange. What's in the Blend? In the late 1800s, when Early Grey first appeared, it was marketed as a mix of teas from China. Now many Earl Greys contain Indian or Ceylon teas and may leave out Chinese teas altogether. Many Earl Greys simply list "black tea" or "fine black tea" in the ingredients. "Citrusy" and "Lively" are words are often used to describe Earl Grey tea. These character traits are owed to one thing: Bergamot Orange What really makes Earl Grey stand out is the addition of oils from the rind of a bergamot orange. The bergamot oils give the tea a distinctive flavor and scent. Bergamot orange is a citrus fruit that grows in southern Italy. It is smaller than a regular orange and bears more resemblance to a lemon. It has a strong tart taste that is difficult to palate on its own. When added to tea, however, the bergamot adds a fun citrusy "zing" to what would otherwise be a normal cup of black tea.

See, it looks a lot like a lemon, right? Who is Earl Grey? The second Early Grey of Howick was a British Prime Minister in the 1830s and has a pretty weak connection to the tea that carries his name. Although the history is questionable, one account is that Earl Grey received the bergamot flavored tea and recipe as a present. The tea was a gift of gratitude from a Chinese man because the Earl's envoy to China saved the life of the man's son. It's also possible the Earl had nothing to do with his namesake tea. Around the same time period, British tea dealers were known to add bergamot flavor to emulate higher quality Chinese teas. London tea sellers Twinings and Jackson's of Picadilly have each laid claim to the blend's original recipe. Twinings even attained a seal of approval from Richard, the sixth Earl Grey. A Unique Flavor That People Like However the concept of adding bergamot oil to tea leaves originated, the special taste has been a huge hit. The term "Earl Grey" is now synonymous with tea that has a refreshing citrusy flavor. It is a popular blend found in kitchens and tea shops around the world.

Tip: Try adding a slice of lemon to compliment and enhance the already citrusy characteristics of the tea.

Question: What gives 'Earl Grey Tea' its characteristic flavour?
Answer: OIL OF BERGAMOT